Pussy Willow Salix discolor

Size: 2-750 cm (2-25 feet), small shrub or tree.

Leaves and Flowers: Leaves are 5-10 cm (2-4 in.), lance-shaped, oblong, bright green above and whitish-silvery below. They are wavy-toothed.

Flowers bloom from February - May. Male flowers are yellowish and the silky spring catkins are easily recognized, 5 cm (2 in.); and female flowers are greenish, both age to yellow-brown.

Habitat: Damp thickets, swamp/wetlands, stream banks.

Range: Across Canada, south through New England to Maryland; west to Kentucky, Missouri and South Dakota.

Use: see Black Willow

Black Willow or Swamp Willow Salix nigra

Size: 12-15 m (40-50 feet), small shrub to large tree

Leaves and Flowers:
Leaves, 10-15 cm (3-6 in.) long are narrow and light-deep green on both sides. They are often curved with a downy stem.

Flowers are stiff catkins with yellowish-green scales.

Habitat: wet mesic, along lake, river and stream banks.

Range: from Maine to Minnesota, south to Texas and Georgia.

Use: The chemical precursor to aspirin is found in the bark of willow. It has been used by many Native Americans for curing headaches, rheumatism, and healing cuts, wounds, sore throats, and bruises. A tea would be used for drinking or bathing the wounds.

The bark was also used as a lashing for long houses when they were built or repaired. The long poles for the long houses were from various species of trees and may have included willow.

The wood was used for fires, so necessary to everyday life.